Zebras grazing in New Orleans East? NOPD officers grab photo proof

Posted Sep 11, 2018

Zebras graze in Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya in 2008. Officers with the New Orleans Police Department's 7th District got an unexpected safari experience Monday, Sept. 10, 2018, after finding zebras grazing on Lake Forest Boulevard in New Orleans East while on night patrol. ("Burchell's Zebra" by Julian Mason licensed via Flickr under CC BY 2.0)

Two New Orleans Police Department officers had to do a double-take Monday night (Sept. 10) after cruising by three zebras grazing along Lake Forest Boulevard in New Orleans East.

In a Facebook post, NOPD's 7th District said two of its officers were on routine patrol Monday when they came across the zebras standing on the grass in the neutral ground. The post includes a few photos of the striped equids munching on grass and looking pretty comfortable in their urban surroundings.

Turns out the zebras are part of a circus performing in town and were out for a "quick bite" with their trainers before "hitting the hay," NOPD said on Twitter.

NOPD didn't specify the circus, but UniverSoul Circus, a traveling act based out of Atlanta, is performing in New Orleans through Sept. 23.

While photo evidence was gathered, NOPD said no warnings or citations were issued.